Fight breaks up Vernon-Chipley game - update

CHIPLEY — What appeared to be a fight between two players led to the stands and benches emptying at the Vernon-Chipley basketball game Friday night at Chipley.

Superintendent of Washington County Schools Dr. Sandra Cook said that no action has been taken at this time.

“The principals are reviewing the tapes, the coaches are reviewing the tapes, the referees are reviewing the tapes, even the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) is reviewing the tapes from the game and action will be taken based on the rules and regulations,” said Cook. “Until we can find out who did what, no action can be taken at this time.”

She said while tapes are being reviewed a “definitive decision” may be made by late this afternoon or by tomorrow morning.

Florida Freedom Newspapers reports that Chipley has forfeited a district game this week against Arnold.

Video online

The altercation started to the left of the Chipley basket on the north end of the gym and quickly swelled as players and fans hit the floor. Coaches, law enforcement and school officials, as well as some fans, broke the fight up in a few minutes. Chipley Coach Joel Orlando then cancelled the game with Chipley ahead 38-28 with 2:40 left in the third period.

Vernon fans and players were told to leave first, followed by the Chipley crowd. Chipley Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office then patrolled the area checking on gatherings at other locations according to scanner traffic.

The altercation appeared to erupt spontaneously and there was little evidence that anything was simmering throughout the game between the two county arch rivals.

Chipley took a 12-8 lead after the first period while Vernon came back to take a 21-19 lead midway through the second period before baskets by A.J. Roulhac and Ryan Brigham gave Chipley a 30-24 halftime lead. Baskets by Brigham and Roulhac enabled the Tigers to stretch their lead before the fight broke out.

The Chipley Lady Tigers held just a 14-13 lead at the end of the first quarter but went on a 17-0 run to break the game up and went on to beat the Vernon Lady Yellow Jackets 68-33. The Lady Jackets drew as close as 31-23 late in the second half before going into the locker room behind 33-23.

Thera Robinson of Chipley led all scorers with 27 points, 21 in the first half. Jasmin Belser scored 14 and Rakeia Sorey scored 11 points for the Lady Tigers. Brittany Davis led Vernon with 16 points.